Description
If you’re craving a cozy and comforting dinner idea packed with nourishing veggies and cheesy goodness, this Cozy Creamy Vegetable Casserole is a must-try. With roasted butternut squash, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection, it’s the ultimate easy recipe for a healthy snack, quick breakfast casserole, or weeknight dinner. Whether served as a side or main, this is one of those food ideas that checks all the boxes: hearty, family-friendly, and freezer-friendly!
Ingredients
2 cups butternut squash, cubed
1 ½ cups broccoli florets
1 ½ cups cauliflower florets
1 cup carrots, chopped
8 oz pasta (shells or rotini), uncooked
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil (for roasting)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Toss butternut squash, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20 minutes until slightly tender.
3. Reduce oven temperature to 375°F.
4. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft, then add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
6. Whisk in flour to make a roux, then slowly pour in milk or cream while whisking. Cook until thickened.
7. Stir in mozzarella and cheddar until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
8. In a large bowl, combine roasted vegetables, cooked pasta, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
9. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13″ baking dish. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
10. Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
For added protein, stir in 1 cup cooked chicken or chickpeas before baking.
Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking.
For extra crisp topping, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 412
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 60mg